Our APAC tour continued last week with a stop in Seoul, South Korea. There our investors, partners, associates, and friends were eager to hear our message on markets and how private credit fits into the current climate.

Korea’s overhanging long-term geopolitical issue, according to local sources, is what to do with China. It’s an economic challenge to be caught between the US and its biggest trade partner. Semiconductors are Korea’s number one export to China, but not enough to offset last year’s trade deficit – the first. 

Pressures from China are no doubt mounting from other trade agreements, such as the recent one between Samsung and GM to build lithium battery factories in the US. Also on Korea’s watchlist are its strategic relationships with Japan and Russia designed to strengthen economic and business partnerships.